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Dull ache in head - can it really just be anxiety?

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Elizabeth2828
Elizabeth2828

Hello,

I'm currently experiencing some symptoms and wanted to throw it out to this group to see if anyone has experienced the same, and what you've done to fix it.

First, I suffer from migraines and take Imitrix on an as-needed basis. A couple weeks ago, I had a a consecutive headache for a few days (not uncommon). However, the day after I felt a bit 'off' and since then I've had this dull pain on the top left of my head. It's like someone has their finger pressed down on my head and I can almost feel the pressure into my jaw. It is annoying, but doesn't hurt. In addition, I have also noticed pulsating in my head - sometimes in this area, sometimes on both sides, sometimes in my temples only. It's like a heartbeat rhythm. The back of my head feels bruised in one spot (directly behind my eye - back of head). No other symptoms - I'm not vomiting, not really dizzy (still feeling 'off', though) and no fever.

I had almost this exact thing happen both in late 2018 and late 2019. It's interesting it happens in the November/December time frame. In 2018 I had an MRI done, all normal. In 2019 it went away after about a month.

I don't feel anxious otherwise- there's nothing in my life that I can pinpoint why this would be anxiety and not something more sinister. However, this not going away has really resurfaced my health anxiety and I feel like I'm spiraling a bit. In 2018 and 2019 I went to a chiropractor, thinking it was stemming from my neck - and it very well could be. I have a desk job and my posture isn't the best. Since this started again, I have been working on neck stretches, and I have an appointment for a deep tissue massage this afternoon. I may also start going to the chiro again.

For reference, I am a 44 year old female. In good health, I work out and eat pretty clean. Blood work is good, vitamins are good although I am probably a bit low in vitamin D. I did recently start taking Lexapro a couple days ago in hopes that it would help.

Has anyone experienced anything similar and it ended up being anxiety (or something else?)

Thanks so much for reading, and thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!

Elizabeth

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • jan34534
    jan34534 Elizabeth2828

    Edited

    headaches, head pressure, etc. pulsating feeling in the head, aches and pains etc. can all be caused from anxiety. I can tell you that when I was in my late 20s, I had all your symptoms plus vibration feeling in my head , going through my arms and legs, floaters in my eyes, heaviness in my chest, muscle twitches, head pressure, weakness, ringing in my ear, all at the same time! All these tests were done on me and they were all normal. This led me to one conclusion which was my long-term stress and anxiety was building up to the point where my body just had enough and was telling me that through these sensations.I thought I had some horrible condition at that time. I am now in my 50s

    of course, I always recommend that people get a complete physical check up at least once a year and if they experience any onset of new symptoms that don’t go away. .

    as Long as you’re testing was normal then just try to relax your mind as much as you can. Sometimes we have underlying anxiety we are not even aware of.

    vitamin D three Is more than just a vitamin and does wonders for the body! take care!

    • Elizabeth2828
      Elizabeth2828 jan34534

      Posted

      Hi @jan34534 -

      Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and provide your experiences and feedback. It's so baffling how physical symptoms can come down to anxiety! I'm sorry you experienced the same. It sounds like you have not experienced it since your 20's? I think you're right in that sometimes we hold so much stress inside and maybe not even realize the effect it has on us. Our bodies can only handle so much. It's so strange because I don't really feel overly anxious about anything (I am, however, a naturally anxious person). I have been doing meditations and trying to keep my mind focused on other things.

      I just looked at the vitamin D I have, and it is Vitamin D3! awesome 😃

      Thank you again, and Happy Holidays -

      Elizabeth

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